As I learned more (a LOT more) about Mormonism from RfM posters and grew to greatly regret having joined (up to and including attending the temple) I became embarrassed to admit having chosen to join both groups - JW first as a teen and then years later Mormonism. Both exposures to the two faiths came about through friends. Self-inflicted injury iow.
I was always uncomfortable with the exclusionary isolationist views of both groups as I am all for inclusion. Thankfully, I had good counsel growing up from parents who taught us to consider every side of an issue and to make informed decisions. Obviously, I didn't do that with my choices about religion. But eventually that was a big part of my decisions to leave both. I could never swallow the view that only a small number of people, of all those who ever lived, would make it to "heaven". Or that we should all be the same and should scorn (in whatever ways) those who are different from us.
Then there were the doctrinal beliefs. Even not having grown up in any formal religious setting I came to see how off centre the teachings of JWs and Mormons are. "Centre", to me, being mainstream, academically oriented, more informed, broader ideas. I know some will quibble with the concept of religion being "academic" but I merely mean that there are educated, informed people who present facts and ideas based on research and accumulated knowledge (studies of ancient times and areas, for instance). In view of some of that, it didn't seem logical to me that Charles Taze Russell (JW founder) or Joseph Smith Jr. (needs no intro) were ordained of God to present "truth" to the world, especially so relatively late in the game.
I was a JW "missionary" back East for a year, after being baptized at age 18 (snared in at 16 but they don't baptize until 18) and I spent most of my time as a Mormon with the missionaries (mostly as I found the members seriously unfriendly, at least towards me). Perhaps the more intense experience of missionary work reveals the flaws more thoroughly than just being a workaday member - I don't know - but both times I was involved as a missionary and credit that as the experience (and revelation) that got me out of both groups.
Now - I am definitely *not* a joiner. I associate with local churches that are involved in charity work and helping refugees but I do not attend services. Perhaps it's better that way all 'round.
The 'spiritual' side of me that's left figures that (1) if God exists then (2) he knows me. And I have to go with that in terms of the heaven/hell thing.
Que sera sera...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2019 04:08PM by Nightingale.
That wasn't my experience with JWs. But it takes all kinds, I guess, as they say. I liked almost all of the ones I knew. I grew to dislike the isolationist tendencies and the view that nobody else had "the truth". Life is broader than that, I came to see. Thankfully.
Haha, you old dog you! I got the joke. I am (I believe) in a very small group of, if not the *only* regular Canadian female poster. A very small group anyway. But I appreciate your wit anyway.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2019 03:41PM by Nightingale.
I'm sorry. I have no idea what life has brought you but hope that things are going as well as possible and that the sun breaks through the crowds soon.
summer Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > That's right. I grew up Catholic in a mixed > Catholic/Protestant home. I attended various > Protestant churches as a young adult.
This I didn't know, summer. That explains your broad and informed views. Relative to religion, I mean. :)
I've never been an JW but I've lived with one for 50 years. Most likely the cars at the Hall are JWs who meet there and go out in Service as they call it. (Missionary Work). That's mainly on Saturday but it could be any day of the week.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2019 02:25PM by gannosu.
No, not the JWs on Saturday. They attend the Kingdom Hall for their main weekly meeting on a Sunday.
They do go to the Hall on a Saturday but just to gather and prepare and pray before they go out "witnessing" of their faith (door to door, street corner).
I was raised as a jw. They go out in "service" during the week. That is door to door work, usually 9-12, and then 1-3:30. They do this EVERYDAY, so that is why you see cars in their lot all the time. Any other questions ? just toss them mu way :)